The Margate City Commission meeting on April 16, 2025, featured a significant proclamation in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Mayor Arlene Schwartz invited Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith from Temple Beth Am to present the proclamation, which officially designates April 24, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the city.

During her address, Mayor Schwartz emphasized the importance of remembering the Holocaust, a period marked by the systematic persecution and annihilation of six million Jews and millions of others, including gay men, Jehovah's Witnesses, and political dissidents, by Nazi Germany and its collaborators from 1933 to 1945. She highlighted the moral responsibilities of individuals and societies to remain vigilant against hatred and tyranny.

Rabbi Goldsmith expressed gratitude on behalf of the Jewish community for the recognition and shared a poignant reflection related to the upcoming observance of Passover. She noted the significance of remembering the past, drawing a parallel to the biblical story of the Exodus, where Moses ensured that the bones of Joseph were carried forward during the crossing of the Red Sea.

This proclamation serves as a reminder for the residents of Margate to reflect on the lessons of history and the importance of fostering a just society free from hatred and bigotry. The city’s commitment to Holocaust Remembrance Day underscores its dedication to honoring the victims and promoting awareness of the dangers of intolerance.